Banda Acholi Quarters
Each week we hold meetings with the families that want to move to the Place of Refuge Village. The current list is at about 300 families.
In addition to the large weekly meetings we have started small groups to get to know one another more intimately as well as identify any stumbling blocks people may need help with such as addictions, conflict resolution, anger issues, those living with HIV, etc.
Currently, the small groups we have started include; Parenting, Married, Singles and people living with terminal illness (i.e. cancer, HIV). We are seeing people wanting to make changes for themselves and their families. This has been an encouragement as we see lives transformed. We are continuing to get information on each family with their skill levels and needs so that we can provide for them once they go to the village.
Among the group we have people with all kinds of skills including; teaching, building, planting, animal husbandry, tailoring and bead making. We will incorporate all these skills in the village, but we need volunteers and interns to come and lead by example. Our goal is to make this not only a self-sustaining village, but one that can be an example to the people and the country of Uganda. If you want to come for short-term or even a long-term mission please contact us directly!
Saturday KIK Program Kids - All Grown Up
The KIK Saturday Kids program has been on-going for 10 years now. The kids that were 7, 8, 9 and 10 years old are all grown up. They are heading off to University to become the men and women they were created to be. KIK is very proud of them. Here is one example:
Jotham Opio was about 8 when he came to the KIK program. He was a very bright and likable child. He recently was accepted to the University and will be taking Clinical Medicine to become a doctor.
Here is a letter he wrote recently to the Director.
Dearest Mummy Tommy
With a greatful heart I write this letter to appreciate you for the great seed you planted in me when I was your student and forever I shall be your student wherever I may go.
Am glad to say the fruits are evident in my life and have positively impacted those around me with that which I learnt.
One basic truth that keeps me going is that which you taught from Galatians 5:22-23 which are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit as well as the subject of humility which you greatly emphasized in your teachings.
Not forgetting Ephesians 6:10-20 which keeps me a prepared and alert soldier with full armor of God: This scripture has always given me courage and victory to always press on.
I always remain a legacy of your teachings that has made me who I am today and it's manifest in my life and I will always be a steward in the House of the Lord and continue to impact many with the same.
Yours Lovely,
Opio Jotham